Customer feedback has prompted the makers of BlackBerry phones to launch a smaller handset.

The BlackBerry Bold 9700, which goes on sale, is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the Bold 9000, but promises all the same features.

"The feedback was that it's a phenomenal device but can you make it a bit smaller to fit in your pocket or handbag," said Phil Lander, commercial director of Research in Motion (RIM) which makes BlackBerry.

"It's the slimmest, sleekest smart phone from BlackBerry to date."

RIM has reduced the length by 5mm and the width by 6mm to create the Bold 9700, which measures 109mm by 60mm.

The Bold 9700 is also almost 1mm slimmer than its predecessor and 14g lighter, weighing just 122g.

A touch-sensitive Trackpad replaces the Trackball of the Bold 9000 and the camera is improved from 2MP to 3.2MP.

Battery life has also improved, increasing talk time from four hours to up to six and standby time from 10 days to as much as 19 days.

Mr Lander said the Bold 9700 is just as fast as its predecessor and said he believes it will be "the device of choice" for business and personal use, allowing users to check up to 10 email accounts while on the move.

Word, Excel and PowerPoint attachments can be viewed, edited and sent using the Bold 9700 and users can stay organised using a built-in calendar, memo pad and task list.